escordvi | « test sail »

Entry tags:

« test sail »

Welcome to the first Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on August 25th and apply on September 1st. Our Interest Check can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice. If undecided, put "Undecided" for the Armada.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carryover the threads. We'll have more armada focused prompts in the opening log in September. The log itself is set to cover the next two weeks, until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR MAGIC USERS!! All magic abilities will be "sealed" until characters get their tattoo from the Inkwave parlor in Eltrut. That means no magic on the starter ships before docking.

We do require TDM threads for samples for our application!

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated August 28)

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

There are two ships that serve as starting ships for each armada: Stormbringer for the Corsairs, and Royal Fortune for the Paladins. There are various ways new arrivals—or riftfarers as they will be called, among other creative names—will appear on or by these ships.

🚪 Random room. It could be empty, filled with crates or supplies; down in the hull where the livestock are kept; have the luck to awaken in a bed...or the misfortune of that bed already occupied; somewhere in the kitchens; in the bathroom—any room! Now let's hope the doors can open or someone may have to try and ask for help. Or jump through the porthole if there is one and it's above water.
⛵ On deck. If not in the ship itself, another possible spot to wake up to is somewhere on the maindeck. If they're lucky, they're on the deck itself. More unfortunate souls may find themselves caught in the sails or netting, the crow's nest, or on the top of the masts. Someone should be able to help, right? Or catch.
🌊 In the water. The most unlucky sods will find themselves appearing in mid-air just past the ship and plummeting straight into the water. Good news, there's always someone on the look out for such a thing and calls for help to throw a lifesaver get the rowboat will be made. Are there sharks? Well... ...Are there?

However the new riftfarers arrive, they will be poorly clothed, practically rags or loose uniforms depending on the ship. Fortunately, veteran crewmates will guide them, escorting them to a room with a strange typewriter in it. After typing their name, the typewriter will magically continue and type by itself at a fast pace until it dings and rolls out the paper. This paper will have the following information:

• Name and Shellphone ID (journalname)
• Armada (Corsair or Paladin, will match the starter ship)
• Cabin Number for their personal cabin on the starter ship
• Apartment Address for their personal address at their base armada location
• A basic map of the starting locations in Eltrut, including written directions (continued in the Eltrut section)
• A basic map of where they can find a chest with their original clothes and belongings (this will be different for every person and will be anywhere either on the starter ship or on Eltrut—players can be creative here).

After that, the crewmate will do their best to explain the basics of how they got here, what's going on, and what they'll need to do to live in Escordvi while they are here, giving them a small leather pouch with money. They will be reaching Eltrut soon, so the crewmate will suggest they look around, meet the others who have arrived. Even from their distance, they will be able to see the giant sea turtle that serves as Eltrut's leviathan.

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

After reaching the port of Eltrut, several birdfolk will appear and happily greet all the new arrivals from both starter ships. Here it doesn't matter which side they are affiliated with, as long as they keep those swords and weapons sheathed and not pointed at each other's throats. The birdfolk will even act as guides, showing them the main places they should visit and give them a visitor's map to help guide them.

🐚 Microshell. The first stop that is encouraged will be Microshell, the main store to acquire their own personal Shellphone. The paper they received on their starter ship will have their ID and the staff at the store will set them up, explaining how the device and the network works.
✒️ Inkwave, Tattoo Parlor. The next stop is Inkwave, a tattoo parlor run by a very burly but friendly octopus, Knistej. Here everyone receives their own unique magic tattoo, allowing anyone to cast specific single element spells and other magic. Note: tattoos are required before anyone will be able to use their original magical abilities.
📜 MANTA office. The final stop is the MANTA office, where all the request, mission, and task notices are posted. Each armada has their own branch office for armada specific notices as well. A great place to find jobs to earn some cash so they don't stay a hobo forever.

It's a lot to take in for sure, with the port city bustling with all walks of life. Not only do they have both armadas mingling with each other, there are different races and species from all over Escordvi gathered here. It's not just humans, which many riftfarers always seem to be surprised about. There are also plenty of veteran riftfarers who will gladly give some advice and even share stories of their world. Maybe some are familiar.

After finding their belongings, exploring the town, and meeting other people, being able to just sit back and enjoy a drink and warm meal will be in order. While there are plenty of places to choose from, the Minstrel and Cask will be the top recommended tavern for all newcomers to visit at least once. Great drinks, great food, and can learn a lot from the patrons or meet more people.

Of course, as expected of a highly popular tavern, it's not always peaceful. A man will ask travelers what they want to do with their life. Clearly drunk, he only accepts answers that hint at wanting to find riches. If told this he will give out a treasure map. But if told anything else, he'll put up a fight, hoping to deliver a black eye. Those who do receive the map will be sorely disappointed—it will lead them down a long, winding, circuitous path around town and end at a random outhouse, likely occupied and certainly stinking to high heavens. There's likely some kind of moral here, but at some point, others who have been duped will return to the tavern to sling their fists around.

Looks like another tavern brawl for the night.

QUESTS

For those who want to try their hand at some quests, there are a few that would do well for newcomers. Teaming up is of course encouraged, no matter what the affiliation. You can assume they acquired some kind of ship for the quests out at sea, either the starter ship or some other ship heading out there.

Spicy Squid Eating Challenge

Eltrut Port

There is a traveling food ship (think food truck but on the water) that has been going around challenging ships to their extraordinary Hornswaggle's Spicy Squid Eating Challenge. If participants can scarf down a prepared three-pound bowl of exceptionally spicy ghost pepper squid and rice, they will win their meal for free as well as a crate of dried spicy squid for their ship's stores. If participants fail, they will have to pay for the meal and the crate.

...Careful, are some of the squid tentacles still moving?

Coral Reef Snacks

Eltrut

Rumour has it that certain types of coral reefs contain unique properties that can make you more alluring to the one you desire, but no one is sure what the side effects are. Test this out by trying to crunch into chunks of coral reef pieces to see if there are any added effects on your body. Hopefully, they don't ruin your teeth in the meantime.

Oh, and you have to find the correct coral reef too! Red chunks seem to make you more affectionate towards others, while blue chunks seem to make you more volatile towards others. Eaters, beware!

Giant Sea Slugs

Starter Ships

Giant sea slugs tend to only attack ships if they feel threatened but are otherwise peaceful creatures. They're about the size of a large wild cat. They also secrete a slime that contains strong disinfectant properties. This thick slime is highly sought after for its ability to heal wounds cleanly, so kill them and collect as much slime as possible.

Killer Sharkgulls

Eltrut port and ships

Seagulls can be a pain to most ships. Yet, seagulls that have evolved to be violently carnivorous can be even worse. These new birds, effectively named sharkgulls, have been seen attacking ships and ports alike. They are big enough to eat small children in one gulp or will do their best to eat full-grown humans after they've ripped them to bite-sized shreds. Beware and kill them before they can kill you!

Siren's Serenade

Out at Sea

A merchant's ship has crashed upon an outcropping of rocks after being lured in by a group of rogue sirens. These captivating creatures possess the power to ensnare their prey with their enchanting voices, luring unsuspecting souls into the depths to meet the grim fate of drowning.

Search for the missing ship and help rescue the captive sailors before it's too late! You will be supplied with special earplugs to muffle out the siren's voices so be careful to keep your ears effectively plugged. You don't want to succumb to the siren's bloodlust yourself.

Any sailors or rescuers affected by the siren's song can be treated with a harpy's potion that can reverse the song's effect. Or tie up the afflicted for twenty-four hours to wait out the effects.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Even here, Rikku finds a moment to laugh. Hey, he's not bad... ]

You got it!

[ Lightning seems to work best here for a gull-fry...maybe...okay, yeah, spherechange time. She leaps out of the way and swipes a hand over her belt, changing into a very colorful traditional witch costume. With a big staff in hand, she can cast stronger lightning bolts.

One of them lunges at her, and she has to swing her staff to bat it away before the lightning can hit. ]

...Geez, tough crowd.

[...

Okay.

Did this just girl just do a wardrobe change in the middle of battle???

.........

The longer he stays here, the more he's amazed at all the different kind of folk he runs into. But hey, given how much stronger that lightning was compared to before, if it helps he'll take it. And maybe question later because really what—

Anyway.]

Just think of it as a little pre-meal exercise. Assuming they're even edible.

[Another streak of lightning to take care of a few before he draws his sword to slash at a few that manage to fly in close.]

[ She's okay now. It's a little more awkward to move in this form, but that's okay. She'll stand her ground and aim. ]

...Not sure I want to find out, but. Little light fry, coming up!

[ She manages to target a few more in rapid succession. Zap, zap, zap. ]

You okay?

Hah! This much is nothing. Fought bigger monsters than these freaks.

[He does have to bring up his sword to parry one that tries to take a nice chomp at his face, but he just charges the blade, causing it to be electrocuted instead.]

But if you're wearin' down, don't push yourself.

I'll be okay! Almost---clear! I hope!

[ She has to swing the staff like a baseball bat again when one flies in her blind spot and gets knocked over, but she can still cast. It's okay! No bites here, just a real close call. ]

Ooh boy. You see any more?

Looks like the flock's thinnin' out, but we should try clearing out as many as we can.

[He flashes her a grin.]

What say you we give 'em a real storm, eh?

...Okay! Hang on, got an idea. Lightning has a best friend.

[ She shifts gears to cast a few water spells, dumping bucketfuls to hopefully drench their wings and conduct lightning strikes. ]'

[There's an arch of a brow. She can use multiple elements? He's really going to be experiencing a lot of new things in this world, isn't he?]

Hah, this will get 'em! Now stick close, don't want you caught!

[Purple lightning gathers around his hand, coalescing into what looks like a large spear. And when it seems Rikku is close enough, he'll throw it up into the air. He'll then clench his fist and pull it back towards him, and the lightning spear breaks apart, all the individual bolts scattering to strike down around them, hitting most if not all of the gulls.]

Gotcha!

[ Rikku dances out of the way, hanging back while keeping up the pressure with her water geysers. If this guy's zaps keep it all going well...they should be fine soon. And not shark-bird food. ]

...Phew. Think we're okay?

[After the lightning strikes cease and the steam settles, all that remains are the nicely fried remains of the sharkgulls.

...

Yeah still not very appetizing looking—]

Looks like it.

[He holds his hand up against his eyes to peer out, scanning the area, but if there were any survivors they already escaped.]

I'd consider that a job well done.

[ Rikku lowers her staff, letting out an exaggerated sigh of relief. ]

Phew! That was too close. Thanks a lot---I'm Rikku, by the way.

[ She opts to tip her oversized witch hat. ]

No need for thanks, we're all working together here.

[A grin and a wink.]

But I'm Cid. Pleasure.

[ Rikku lets out an awkward sort of giggle...ah, whoops. She blinks. Should probably explain that. ]

Sorry, it's just...that's my dad's name. It always stuck out.

But I'll help out any time, don't worry!

[Wait.

Back up.

There's a slight arch of the brow as he looks at her.]

Your father's name is "Cid," too?

Yeah.

[ She tilts her head in thought. ]

He's the leader of my...tribe, I guess, so everybody respects him. Pops is a big-shot airship pilot, and it's his job to make sure we always have a home, no matter how much people who hate us try to make us scatter. But that's not a big thing anymore, luckily!

[...

...........]

An airship pilot? Really?

[A small laugh in amazement.]

Fancy that, I've been working on my own plans for that. Well, trying to build an airship, anyway. And it sounds like your father and I are a lot more similar than just the name.

Huh! That's...kinda freaky. But...yeah. We've had our fights, but leading people sure is hard work.

[ Not in a bad way. She laughs a little. ]

I'm not the best at the big moving parts. I helped Pops excavate an airship once, and my brother showed me a little about piloting? But I'm better at the small stuff. If I can get my hands on some scrap I can usually make a grenade from it.

Now you got me curious, see what you can do.

[Saying so, he can't help but look at Rikku with a little bit of a fond smile, one that will be quickly understood by what he says next.]

Should meet my daughter, Mid. She's just like me, possibly even smarter, but she knows her way around tools and engineering. Think you two would get along if she were around.

If I can find some scraps, I'll give it a shot! If I get caught in a bad spot when the tattoo fades, gotta have a backup plan.

[ She smiles thoughtfully, glancing over at the ocean. ]

Maybe someday. I'm sure we'll figure out the rifts and get home soon...but I'm not sure I'm in a hurry to leave? This is all so cool.

Oh yeah?

[A look of genuine curiosity.]

I would have thought you might get homesick and want to head back.

Well...yeah, but I haven't really got my life figured out yet. Big monster's gone forever, new age of peace? It gets a little boring after the excitement wears off. Everybody around me's settling down, starting a family, out on business...

But me? I've been all over my world and I don't feel any more sure of...well, anything. So maybe I have to think bigger, you know?

[...Aaah.]

Sounds like you've been quite busy. I suppose looking at this world like a new adventure is one way to go about it then.

Yeah, that's the plan!

[ And then she focuses, expression becoming more serious. ]

I hope...you get what you want, though. Finding your people again, or whatever you're looking for.

[There's a slight rise of his brows before he laughs a bit.]

Appreciate it, but you needn't worry about any of that. Think I'll be the same as you—consider this as a new adventure to embark on.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« test sail »

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject